Vehicle seating assembly with side airbag deployment

ABSTRACT

A vehicle seating assembly having a first trim piece including a flange having a first side with intermittently-spaced elongate protrusions and a second side with intermittently-spaced attachment elements. A second trim piece including an inner wall having intermittently-spaced retention windows and an outer wall having an elongate channel disposed on an inner wall surface thereof, the inner and outer walls defining a cavity therebetween. The flange engages the cavity such that the intermittently-spaced elongate protrusions are removably engaged with the elongate channel and the intermittently-spaced attachment elements are removably engaged with the intermittently-spaced retention windows. An airbag deployment system is positioned proximate the first and second trim pieces and configured to deploy an airbag between the first and second trim pieces.

FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to an airbag deployment system,and more particularly relates to a side airbag deployment system that isattached to and deploys from a vehicle seat.

BACKGROUND

It is becoming increasingly more common for vehicles to include airbagassemblies in locations that allow the contained airbag to deploy todesired areas of protection quickly and with a high degree of precision.It is generally understood that one location airbag assemblies are morefrequently incorporated is within a seatback for deploying between apassenger and an adjacent vehicle door. Typically, these side airbagsare encased within the fabric upholstery material of the seatback, suchthat upon deployment of the airbag the upholstery material is torn. Thisform of deployment may result in inconsistent airbag deployment andsubstantial damage to the seatback. As vehicle seats are equipped withairbag assemblies, it is also becoming desirable to decrease the overallvolume of vehicle seats for reducing weight and providing adequate spacefor the passengers within the vehicle.

SUMMARY

According to one embodiment, a vehicle seating assembly includes a firsttrim piece including a flange having a first side withintermittently-spaced elongate protrusions and a second side withintermittently-spaced attachment elements. The vehicle seating assemblyalso has a second trim piece including an inner wall havingintermittently-spaced retention windows and an outer wall having anelongate channel disposed on an inner wall surface thereof, the innerand outer walls defining a cavity therebetween. The flange engages thecavity such that the intermittently-spaced elongate protrusions areremovably engaged with the elongate channel and theintermittently-spaced attachment elements are removably engaged with theintermittently-spaced retention windows. The assembly also includes anairbag deployment system positioned proximate the first and second trimpieces and configured to deploy an airbag between the first and secondtrim pieces.

In another embodiment, a seating assembly includes a first trim piecehaving a flange including a first side with an elongate protrusion and asecond side with an attachment element. The assembly also has a secondtrim piece including an inner wall having a window and an outer wallhaving an elongate channel. The inner and outer walls define a cavityalong an edge of the second trim piece. The elongate protrusion engagesthe elongate channel and the attachment element engages the window. Theassembly also includes an airbag deployment system which is configuredto deploy an airbag between the first and second trim pieces.

In yet another embodiment, a vehicle seating assembly includes an airbagdeployment system. The assembly also has a front trim piece including aflange having intermittently-spaced attachment elements and a rear trimpiece including inner and outer walls defining a cavity. The inner wallhas a plurality of windows disposed thereon. The attachment elementssnap-fit into the windows such that the flange engages the cavity todefine a breakaway seam upon airbag deployment.

These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present disclosurewill be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art uponstudying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of a seating assemblywithin a vehicle;

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the seating assembly showing asupport structure with a seatback, passenger support, track assembly,and head restraint shown in dashed lines;

FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of one embodiment of a seatingassembly, showing an airbag deployed in dashed lines;

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of one embodiment of a seatingassembly, showing an airbag deployed in dashed lines;

FIG. 5 is an exploded top perspective view of one embodiment of aseatback;

FIG. 6 is an exploded top perspective view of one embodiment of asupport structure of a seatback;

FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of a section of afirst trim piece exploded from a section of a second trim piece;

FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of a section of afirst trim piece;

FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of a section of asecond trim piece;

FIG. 10 is a top perspective cross-sectional view of the first trimpiece separated from the second trim piece, taken at line X-X of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10A is a top perspective cross-sectional view of the first trimpiece engaged with the second trim piece, taken at line X-X of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10B is a top perspective cross-sectional view of the first trimpiece engaged with the second trim piece, taken at line X-X of FIG. 7and rotated relative to FIG. 10A;

FIG. 11 is a top perspective cross-sectional view of the first trimpiece separated from the second trim piece, taken at line XI-XI of FIG.7;

FIG. 11A is a top perspective cross-sectional view of the first trimpiece engaged with the second trim piece, taken at line XI-XI of FIG. 7;

FIG. 11B is a top perspective cross-sectional view of the first trimpiece engaged with the second trim piece, taken at line XI-XI of FIG. 7and rotated relative to FIG. 11A;

FIG. 12 is a side elevational view of one embodiment of an interiorportion of a section of a second trim piece;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the seatback having the airbag in acontained position, taken at line XII-XII of FIG. 4; and

FIG. 13A is a cross-sectional view of the seatback having the airbag inan expanded position, taken at line XII-XII of FIG. 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,”“left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivativesthereof shall relate to the disclosure as oriented in FIG. 1. However,it is to be understood that the disclosure may assume variousalternative orientations, except where expressly specified to thecontrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices andprocesses illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in thefollowing specification are simply exemplary embodiments of theinventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specificdimensions and other physical characteristics relating to theembodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting,unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

Referring to FIGS. 1-13A, reference numeral 10 generally designates avehicle seating assembly that includes a first trim piece 14 including aflange 18 having a first side 22 with intermittently-spaced elongateprotrusions 26 and a second side 30 with intermittently-spacedattachment elements 34. A second trim piece 38 includes an inner wall 42having intermittently-spaced retention windows 46 and an outer wall 50having an elongate channel 54 disposed on an inner wall surface 58thereof. The inner and outer walls 42, 50 define a cavity 62therebetween. The flange 18 engages the cavity 62 such that theintermittently-spaced elongate protrusions 26 are removably engaged withthe elongate channel 54 and the intermittently-spaced attachmentelements 34 are removably engaged with the intermittently-spacedretention windows 46. An airbag deployment system 66 is positionedproximate the first and second trim pieces 14, 38 and configured todeploy an airbag 70 between the first and second trim pieces 14, 38. Theintermittently-spaced retention windows 46 and intermittently-spacedelongate protrusions 26 are configurable to provide a predeterminedresistance to deployment of the airbag between the first and second trimpieces.

Referring now to FIG. 1, the vehicle seating assembly 10 is positionedin a driver side location of a vehicle 84. The vehicle seating assembly10 includes a seat bottom 88 that is pivotally coupled with a seatback92 for pivotally adjusting the seatback 92 between upright and reclinedpositions relative to the seat bottom 88. The seat bottom 88 is slidablycoupled with a floor 96 of the vehicle 84 upon a track assembly 100. Thetrack assembly 100 is configured to allow the vehicle seating assembly10 to adjust in a forward and rearward direction relative to the floor96 of the vehicle 84. It is understood that the vehicle seating assembly10 may be positioned in various positions throughout the vehicle 84other than the illustrated location, such as a passenger side location,a mid-row location, and a rear seat location. It is also conceivablethat the vehicle seating assembly 10 may not include the recliningfeature and may not include the track assembly 100, such that thevehicle seating assembly 10 may be fixedly or alternatively coupled withthe floor 96 of the vehicle 84.

As also shown in FIG. 1, a controller 110 on the vehicle 84 iselectrically coupled with the airbag deployment system 66. Thecontroller 110 operates to actuate the airbag 70 within the airbagdeployment system 66, causing the airbag 70 to inflate to a deployedposition 118 (FIG. 3) when the controller 110 senses a collision eventof the vehicle 84, as generally understood in the art. The airbagdeployment system 66 is included on and deploys from the outboard sideof a support structure 120 of the seatback 92. The outboard connotation,for purposes of this disclosure, refers to a lateral side most proximatea side door or a side interior region of the vehicle 84. In turn, theinboard connotation for purposes of this disclosure refers to an areamost proximate in a central interior region of the vehicle 84 betweenthe laterally opposing outboard sides.

With reference to FIG. 2, the seatback 92 includes the support structure120, which has a first side member 122 and a second side member 126,each pivotally coupled with a rear portion of the seat bottom 88. A headrestraint 130 is coupled with and supported by a top member 134 of thesupport structure 120 and is positioned centrally between the first andsecond side members 122, 126. A passenger support 138 extends forwardfrom the support structure 120 and includes an upper support component142 and a lower support component 146 for supporting an occupant's upperand lower back, respectively. The upper support component 142 isconfigured to pivot forward relative to the support structure 120 andthe lower support component 146 statically couples with the supportstructure 120. Although, it is conceivable that the upper supportcomponent 142 may also be static relative to the support structure 120.It is also contemplated that the upper and lower support components 142,146 of the passenger support 138 may be a single integral component thatextends forward from the support structure 120. Further, it isconceivable that the head restraint 130 may be integrated with the uppersupport component 142 or that the head restraint 130 may otherwise notbe included on the vehicle seating assembly 10.

The passenger support 138, as shown in the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 3-4, extends forward and is suspended away from the supportstructure 120 to define an external peripheral gap 152 spanning alongthe first and second side members 122, 126 and the top member 134. Theexternal peripheral gap 152 may expand upon forward pivoting of theupper support component 142 and may be compressed proximate anapplication of rearward force to the passenger support 138. However, theexternal peripheral gap 152 is configured to remain large enough for theairbag 70 of the airbag deployment system 66 to deploy forward from thefirst side member 122, through the external peripheral gap 152, andposition the airbag 70 in a deployed position 118, as shown in dashedlines. The deployed position 118 of the airbag 70 in the illustratedembodiment aligns the airbag 70 accurately between an occupant seated inthe seating assembly 10 and an adjacent door of the vehicle 84 (FIG. 1),as described in more detail below.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, the upper and lower support components 142,146 of the passenger support 138 are attached to the support structure120 with a suspension assembly 160. In the illustrated embodiment, thesuspension assembly 160 includes flexible members 164 extending forwardand laterally outward from the seatback support structure 120 tooperably couple with angled side bolsters 168 of the passenger support138. The angled side bolsters 168 are located on the lateral sides ofthe upper and lower support components 142, 146 and are integrated withthe shape of the upper and lower support components 142, 146 to preventlateral movement of an occupant's back relative to the support structure120. An upper section 172 of the suspension assembly 160 has a centralbody 176 and two outwardly extending flexible members 164 on opposingsides of the central body 176. The central body 176 of the upper section172 operably couples with a pivot bar 184 that laterally extends betweenthe opposing side portions of a lower section 188 of the suspensionassembly 160. The opposing side portions of the lower section 188similarly include outwardly extending flexible members 164 that couplewith the lower support component 146 of the passenger support 138.Accordingly, in the illustrated embodiment, the lower section 188 isstatic and the upper section 172 is configured to pivot forward aboutthe pivot bar 184 to pivotally adjust the upper support component 142relative to the lower support component 146. It is contemplated that thepivot bar 184 may be operably controlled with a motorized actuationassembly or a manually adjustable actuation mechanism, and alsoconceivable that the upper support component 142 may be staticallycoupled with the support structure 120 of the seatback 92. It is alsoconceivable that more or fewer flexible members 164 may be included onthe upper and/or lower sections 172, 188, such as a single fin-shapedflexible member 164 on either side of the upper or lower sections 172,188.

As also shown in FIG. 5, the passenger support 138 in the illustratedembodiment includes a trim carrier 200 having an open matrix thatdefines a pattern of resilient elements that are configured to supportthe weight of an occupant. The trim carrier 200 has an upper panel and alower panel that detachably couple with the respective upper section 172and the lower section 188 of the suspension assembly 160. The passengersupport 138 also includes a cushion 204 that is disposed over a forwardfacing surface of the trim carrier 200. The cushion 204 includes aresilient structure of woven fibers that has open areas for ventilation;however, the cushion 204 may also include open cell foam, closed cellfoam, or other conceivable flexible and breathable materials. Further,the passenger support 138 includes a cover stock 208 to define the backsupport surface of the passenger support 138 and to assist in retainingthe cushion 204 against the trim carrier 200. The cover stock 208 mayconceivably include a fabric material, a leather material, a vinylmaterial, or other upholstery materials generally known in the art.

Referring now to FIG. 6, an internal seat frame 212 of the supportstructure 120 in the illustrated embodiment includes a first framemember 216 and a second frame member 220 extending upward from thepivotal connection with the recliner brackets that attach to the seatbottom 88 (FIG. 2). The first and second frame members 216, 220 aresubstantially parallel with each other and curve upward and rearwardfrom the recliner brackets to provide a curved shape that issubstantially similar to an occupant's spinal column. Further, the firstand second frame members 216, 220 are more robust proximate the reclinerbrackets and taper as they extend upward to couple with a top framemember 224 that extends orthogonally between the first and second framemembers 216, 220 to support the head restraint 130. Accordingly, thefirst and second side members 122, 126 of the overall support structure120 include the first and second frame members 216, 220, respectively,and the top member 134 includes the top frame member 224. The firstframe member 216 includes an elongate cavity 232 on an exterior side ofthe first frame member 216, such that the first frame member 216corresponds with the outboard side of the vehicle seating assembly 10 inthe driver's side location of the illustrated embodiment. The elongatecavity 232 is shaped to receive a base portion 236 of the airbagdeployment system 66. A retention aperture 240 is formed in the elongatecavity 232 for receiving a lateral protrusion 244 on the base portion236 that houses an electrical wire that extends from the airbagdeployment system 66 to electrically couple with the vehicle controller110. More specifically, an intermediate region of the longitudinalextent of the first frame member 216 includes a portion of the elongatecavity 232 that is shaped to retain the airbag 70 in a containedposition 248 (FIG. 13).

As also illustrated in FIG. 6, the first and second trim pieces 14, 38that engage to substantially enclose the internal seat frame 212 areshown exploded away from the internal seat frame 212. The first trimpiece 14 is a front, or vehicle forward, piece and the second trim piece38 is a rear trim piece. The first and second trim pieces 14, 38removably engage along a seam 250 (FIG. 13) to conceal the airbag 70 andto define an exterior surface of the support structure 120. The firsttrim piece 14 includes a U-shape and substantially encloses a frontportion of the internal seat frame 212 and it is contemplated that thefirst trim piece 14 may extend laterally inward to couple with thesuspension assembly 160. The second trim piece 38 wraps over theexterior sides of the first and second frame members 216, 220 topartially conceal the elongate cavity 232 and includes a rear panelportion 252 that spans between the first and second frame members 216,220 and to substantially enclose a rear portion of the seat frame 212.As also shown, an interior surface of the second trim piece 38 coupleswith a sleeve member 254 of the airbag deployment system 66, asdescribed in more detail below. It is contemplated that the internalseat frame 212 is constructed of a metal material and that the first andsecond trim pieces 14, 38 are molded of a polymer material. However, itis also conceivable that the frame 212 may be constructed of othersimilar substantially rigid materials and the first and second trimpieces 14, 38 may be made of other flexible materials relative to theinternal frame 212.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, portions of the first and second trim pieces14, 38 are aligned to engage along the seam 250 over the exterior sidemember of the seat frame 212 (FIG. 6). More specifically, the first trimpiece 14 includes the flange 18 which protrudes from an edge 264 of abody portion 268 of the first trim piece 14. The second trim piece 38has both the inner and outer walls 42, 50 extending along a portion ofan edge 280 of a body portion 284 of the second trim piece 38. Theflange 18 is configured to align with the cavity 62 defined by the innerand outer walls 42, 50 such that the flange 18 can be inserted into thecavity 62. In other words, the connection between the trim pieces 14, 38is of a tongue and groove variety wherein the flange 18 is the tongueand the cavity 62 is the groove.

As shown in the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 7-11B, the flange 18extends laterally from the body portion 268 of the first trim piece 14along a majority of the edge 264. The flange 18 integrally protrudes inplanar alignment with the body portion 268 to a flange tip 282 and isinset inwards from an interior surface of the first trim piece 14. It isalso considered that the flange 18 may extend at an inward angle fromthe first trim piece 14. The flange 18 includes the body portion 284,the plurality of intermittently-spaced elongate protrusions 26, and theplurality of intermittently-spaced attachment elements 34. The thicknessof the body portion 284 is thinner than the width of the cavity 62defined by the inner and outer walls 42, 50, such that the flange 18 canremovably engage with the cavity 62. The plurality of elongateprotrusions 26 integrally project from the first side 22 of the bodyportion 284 and extend the length of the flange 18. The elongateprotrusions 26 are generally triangular in cross-section with a bluntedtip and are intermittently-spaced apart on the flange 18 in asubstantially straight line. It is contemplated that the body portion284 may have a single elongate protrusion 26 projecting therefrom. Theintermittent-spacing of the elongate protrusions 26 is due to aplurality of notches 288, defined by the body portion 284, whichseparate the elongate protrusions 26. Each notch 288 is an opening thatextends between the flange first side 22 and the flange second side 30through the body portion 284. The notches 288 are generally triangularin shape with a wide opening at the flange tip 282. The notches 288extend inward, on the same plane as the flange 18, and terminate atrounded tips which generally separate the elongate protrusions 26. Theplurality of notches 288 are intermittently-spaced along the length ofthe flange 18. It is also conceivable that the flange 18 may have asingle notch 288. It is also contemplated that the notches 288 can be ofdifferent shapes or configurations including, but not limited to,squares, rectangles, or arcs of circles.

Referring to FIGS. 8-11B, the flange 18 further includes a plurality ofintermittently-spaced attachment elements 34 integrally protruding fromthe flange second side 30. Each attachment element 34 has a largelytriangular cross-section including a sloped surface 292 beginninggenerally at the flange tip 282 and ending at a retention surface 300(FIGS. 10 and 10A). Each retention surface 300 is a flat surfaceextending across the attachment element 34 and is generallyperpendicular to the flange second side 30. It is conceivable that theretention surfaces 300 of the attachment elements 34 can be at a varietyof orientations with respect to the flange second side 30. It is alsoconsidered that the attachment elements 34 may have a variety of otherconfigurations or that the flange 18 may have a single attachmentelement 34 protruding from the body portion 284.

Now referring to FIGS. 9-11B, the inner wall 42 and the outer wall 50 ofthe second trim piece 38 are spaced apart such that the cavity 62 isdefined therebetween. The outer wall 50 is a portion of the second trimpiece 38 extending between the body portion 284 and the edge 280 of thesecond trim piece 38. The inner wall 42 integrally extends from thesecond trim piece 38 substantially parallel to the outer wall 50. Theinner wall 42 defines the plurality of retention windows 46 which passbetween an inner surface 304 and an outer surface 308 of the inner wall42. FIG. 9 depicts a single retention window 46 of the plurality ofretention windows 46 as generally rectangular and stretching along thelength of the inner wall 42, but it is contemplated that the pluralityof retention windows 46 may take a variety of configurations. The innerwall 42 defines the plurality of retention windows 46 in anintermittently-spaced pattern; however, it is contemplated that theretention windows 46 may take a variety of other spacings. The retentionwindows 46 include a retention edge 312 located along a distal portionof the inner wall 42. The retention edges 312 are configured toremovably engage with the retention surfaces 300 of the attachmentelements 34 upon the insertion of the flange 18 into the cavity 62. Theouter wall 50 defines the elongate channel 54 (FIGS. 10-11B) on theinner wall surface 58 thereof. The elongate channel 54 extends amajority of the length of the cavity 62 and is configured to removablyengage with the elongate protrusions 26. It is contemplated that theelongate channel 54 may be intermittently-spaced to correspond to theelongate protrusions 26.

Still referring to FIGS. 9-11B, a plurality of ribs 320, which may beflushness ribs, and a plurality of ribs 324, which may be location ribs,span the cavity 62 defined by the inner and outer walls 42, 50. Theflushness ribs 320 and the location ribs 324 are thin curved featuresintegrally protruding from the inner wall 42, the second trim piece 38,and the outer wall 50. The ribs 320, 324 span the cavity 62perpendicular to the length of the cavity 62. The flushness ribs 320 areshorter than the location ribs 324 and are generally concave. Theflushness ribs 320 engage the flange tip 282, as depicted in FIGS. 11and 11B, and ensure the retention surfaces 300 of the attachmentelements 34 are held in abutting contact with the retention edges 312 ofthe retention windows 46. The location ribs 324 can take a variety ofshapes and sizes, but are configured to mate with the notches 288 of thebody portion 284 when the flange 18 is inserted into the cavity 62. Thelocation ribs 324 are positioned such that as the flange 18 is insertedinto the cavity 62 the location ribs 324 make contact with the notches288 and align the attachment elements 34 with the retention windows 46.Once the notches 288 mate with the location ribs 324 the attachmentelements 34 are aligned and engaged with the retention windows 46 andthe elongate protrusions 26 are engaged with the elongate channel 54. Itis understood that some or all of the retention windows 46 and theattachment elements 34 may be reversed, such that the first trim piece14 may include a retention window 46 and the second trim piece 38 mayinclude an attachment element 34. Further, the flange sides 22, 30 onwhich the elongate protrusions 26 and the attachment elements 34 arelocated may also be reversed in a like manner. Similarly, in someembodiments the plurality of retention windows 46 may be located on theouter wall 50 and the elongate channel 54 disposed along the inner wall42.

As depicted in FIGS. 10-11B, the cavity 62 removably engages with theflange 18 along the seam 250, placing the edge 264 of the first trimpiece 14 in close proximity with the edge 280 of the second trim piece38. The flange 18 extends laterally and at an angle from the first trimpiece 14, such that the seam 250 is flush between the first and secondtrim pieces 14, 38. It is understood that the edges 264, 280 may also beconfigured to be in abutting contact, or flush, upon engagement of thefirst and second trim pieces 14, 38.

In some embodiments, the first trim piece 14 and the second trim piece38 are removably engaged via snap fit. Snap fit, as defined herein,describes a self-locking joint whose mating parts exert a cam action,flexing until one part slips past a raised lip on the other part,preventing part separation. The thickness of the flange 18, between thetips of the attachment elements 34 and the tips of the elongateprotrusions 26, is greater than the width of the cavity 62 defined bythe inner surface 304 and the inner wall surface 58 of the inner andouter walls 42, 50. As such, the inner and outer walls 42, 50 areconfigured to deflect as the attachment elements 34 and the elongateprotrusions 26 enter the cavity 62 during insertion of the flange 18 forengagement. As the attachment elements 34 engage the retention windows46 and the elongate protrusions 26 engage the elongate channel 54, theinner and outer walls 42, 50 return to the pre-deflected orientation,thereby generating an audible click or snap. A vibration may also begenerated as the inner and outer walls 42, 50 return to thepre-deflected orientation. Thereafter, the interaction between theretention surfaces 300 of the attachment elements 34 and the retentionedges 312 of the retention windows 46 resist disengagement of the firsttrim piece 14 from the second trim piece 38. The interaction between theelongate protrusions 26 and the elongate channel 54 also assists inresisting disengagement of the first and second trim pieces 14, 38. Insome embodiments, the resistance desired to disengage the first trimpiece 14 from the second trim piece 38 is predetermined or configurable.The retention edges 312 of the retention windows 46 are capable ofhaving different configurations which may need more or less force todisengage the retention surfaces 300 of the attachment elements 34 fromthe retention edges 312. In other embodiments, the number of windows 46can be varied to create the desired level of retention between the firstand second trim pieces 14, 38. In yet further embodiments, theattachment elements 34 and the elongate protrusions 26 can be configuredto provide a predetermined level of retention between the first andsecond trim pieces 14, 38.

In an exemplary manufacturing method, the vehicle seatback 92 can bemanufactured by providing the seatback support structure 120 with theattached airbag deployment system 66. The second trim piece 38 that hasthe cavity 62 including the retention windows 46, location ribs 324 andthe channel 54 is attached to the support structure 120. The first trimpiece 14 that has the flange 18 including the plurality of attachmentelements 34, notches 288, and elongate protrusions 26 is provided. Anoperator aligns the flange 18 in the cavity 62 by mating the notches 288with the location ribs 324 as the flange 18 is inserted into the cavity62. As the attachment elements 34 engage the retention windows 46 andthe elongate protrusions 26 engage the elongate channel 54, an audiblesnap is generated to inform the operator of successful engagementbetween the first and second trim pieces 14, 38. Thereafter, theengagement of the first and second trim pieces 14, 38 forms thebreakaway seam 250 for deployment of the airbag 70 from the airbagdeployment system 66 between the first and second trim pieces 14, 38.

Referring now to FIGS. 12-13A, the inside surface of the second trimpiece 38 is shown having the sleeve member 330 attached to a loopfeature 334 that protrudes inward from the inside surface. The sleevemember 330 couples between the second trim piece 38 and the airbag 70for supporting and directing the airbag 70 though the seam 250 upondeployment. More specifically, the sleeve member 330 includes a planarmember 338 adjacent to the inside surface of the second trim piece 38that has a substantially planar surface 342 that is configured tocontact and direct the airbag 70 through the seam 250, as explained inmore detail below. The planar member 338 includes a tab 346 protrudingoutward to engage the loop feature 334 on the interior surface of thesecond trim piece 38. The sleeve member 330 also includes an L-shapedengagement member 350 that extends inward from the planar member 338 andforward to engage opposing sides of the lateral protrusion 244 on thebase portion 236 of the airbag deployment system 66. The base portion236 of the airbag deployment system 66 houses an electrical wire thatcouples with the vehicle controller 110. Accordingly, the sleeve member330 has a generally C-shaped cross-section for containing the sideairbag deployment system 66 and directing the airbag 70 through the seam250.

Referring now to FIG. 13, the airbag 70 is shown in the containedposition 248, where the airbag 70 is contained within the base portion236 of the airbag deployment system 66 and substantially concealed bythe trim pieces 14, 38. In this contained position 248, the first andsecond trim members 14, 38 engage along the seam 250 disposed on aforward facing portion of the exterior side member of the vehicle seatto conceal the airbag 70 and to provide a direction for accuratelydeploying the airbag 70 forward through the seam 250. A longitudinalsection 354 of the second trim piece 38 curves rearward and inward toextend laterally and span across to conceal the rear area of theseatback 92. The first trim piece 14 extends laterally inward to engagethe first frame member 216, whereby the flexible members 164 of thesuspension assembly 160 extend forward to define the external peripheralgap 152 between the support structure 120 and the passenger support 138.It is contemplated that the specific shape and orientation of the firsttrim piece 14 and the second trim piece 38, especially with regard tocomponents of the seatback 92 inboard the airbag deployment system 66,may be alternatively shaped and constructed.

As illustrated in FIG. 13A, the airbag 70 is deployed between the firstand second trim pieces 14, 38 disengaging the seam 250. Morespecifically, the airbag 70 stowed within the base portion 236 of theairbag deployment system 66 deploys from the contained position 248(FIG. 13) to the deployed position 118, as shown. In the deployedposition 118, the airbag 70 inflates and extends from the base portion236 laterally outward against the planar surface 342 of the planarmember 338, directing the airbag 70 forward through the seam 250 andbeyond the passenger support 138, as shown in FIGS. 3-4. In the deployedposition 118, the airbag 70 provides a cushioned protective supportbetween a seated passenger and an outboard interior surface of thevehicle 84, such as the side door (FIG. 1). Upon inflation of the airbag70, the airbag 70 deforms the sleeve member 330 laterally outward anddisengages it from the second trim piece 38. More specifically, the tab346 on the sleeve member 330 disengages from the loop feature 334 on thesecond trim piece 38, causing the second trim piece 38 to move laterallyaway from the planar member 338 of the sleeve member 330. The sleevemember 330 thereby maintains its position relative to the first framemember 216 to continue to accurately direct the airbag 70 through theseam 250. Also, the expanding airbag 70 deforms the second trim piece 38laterally outward with such force as to disengage the retention surfaces300 of the attachment elements 34 from the retention edges 312 of theretention windows 46 and the elongate protrusions 26 of the flange 18from the elongate channel 54 of the outer wall 50. The disengagement ofthe retention surfaces 300 from the retention edges 312 and the elongateprotrusions 26 from the elongate channel 54 thereby disengages theflange 18 from the cavity 62, such that the seam 250 widens abruptly toaccurately direct the airbag 70 forward between the first and secondtrim pieces 14, 38 and beyond the passenger support 138 with minimalresistance from the passenger support 138.

The deployed position 118, as shown in FIG. 13A, is merely one depictionof an incremental stage as the airbag 70, upon deployment, inflates at arapid rate pushing the airbag 70 out from the base portion 236 of theairbag deployment system 66 in the outward and forward direction beyondthe illustrated position. It is contemplated that the airbag 70 mayinflate with gases generated from a pyrotechnic reaction, a compressedair release, and/or another chemical reaction or other conceivableinflation methods. It is also conceivable that after deployment of theairbag module, the airbag 70 may be constrained by internal tethers toprevent the airbag 70 from inflating beyond a desired location, and theairbag deployment system 66 may be replaced and the seatback assemblymay be restored with minimal repair to the passenger support 138 and thesuspension system.

It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art thatconstruction of the described disclosure and other components is notlimited to any specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of thedisclosure disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety ofmaterials, unless described otherwise herein.

For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” (in all of itsforms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining oftwo components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to oneanother. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature.Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical ormechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrallyformed as a single unitary body with one another or with the twocomponents. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removableor releasable in nature unless otherwise stated.

It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement ofthe elements of the disclosure as shown in the exemplary embodiments isillustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the presentinnovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, thoseskilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciatethat many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes,dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements,values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors,orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novelteachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example,elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple partsor elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, theoperation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, thelength or width of the structures and/or members or connector or otherelements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustmentpositions provided between the elements may be varied. It should benoted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system may beconstructed from any of a wide variety of materials that providesufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors,textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications areintended to be included within the scope of the present innovations.Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be madein the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired andother exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of thepresent innovations.

It will be understood that any described processes or steps withindescribed processes may be combined with other disclosed processes orsteps to form structures within the scope of the present disclosure. Theexemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrativepurposes and are not to be construed as limiting.

It is also to be understood that variations and modifications can bemade on the aforementioned structures and methods without departing fromthe concepts of the present disclosure, and further it is to beunderstood that such concepts are intended to be covered by thefollowing claims unless these claims by their language expressly stateotherwise.

What is claimed is:
 1. A vehicle seating assembly comprising: a firsttrim piece including a flange having a first side withintermittently-spaced elongate protrusions and a second side withintermittently-spaced attachment elements; a second trim piece includingan inner wall having intermittently-spaced retention windows and anouter wall having an elongate channel disposed on an inner wall surfacethereof, the inner and outer walls defining a cavity therebetween;wherein the flange engages the cavity such that theintermittently-spaced elongate protrusions are removably engaged withthe elongate channel and the intermittently-spaced attachment elementsare removably engaged with the intermittently-spaced retention windows;and an airbag deployment system positioned proximate the first andsecond trim pieces and configured to deploy an airbag between the firstand second trim pieces.
 2. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 1,wherein the retention windows and elongated protrusions are configurableto provide a predetermined resistance to deployment of the airbagbetween the first and second trim pieces.
 3. The vehicle seatingassembly of claim 1, further comprising: a plurality of ribs spanningthe cavity, wherein the flange is configured to mate with the ribs suchthat upon mating the retention windows and the attachment elements arealigned and engaged.
 4. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 1, whereinthe first trim piece is a front trim piece of a vehicle seat and thesecond trim piece is a rear trim piece of the vehicle seat.
 5. Thevehicle seating assembly of claim 1, wherein the inner and outer wallsof the second trim piece are configured to deflect during engagement ofthe flange to the cavity.
 6. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 1,wherein the elongate channel extends a majority of the length of thecavity.
 7. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 1, wherein the flangeand the cavity removably engage to form a seam between the first andsecond trim pieces.
 8. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 7, whereinthe flange extends laterally and at an angle from the first trim piecesuch that the seam between the first and second trim pieces is flush. 9.A seating assembly comprising: a first trim piece including a flangehaving a first side with an elongate protrusion and a second side withan attachment element; a second trim piece including an inner wallhaving a window and an outer wall having an elongate channel, the innerand outer walls defining a cavity along an edge of the second trimpiece, wherein the elongate protrusion engages the elongate channel andthe attachment element engages the window; and an airbag deploymentsystem configured to deploy an airbag between the first and second trimpieces.
 10. The seating assembly of claim 9, wherein the first trimpiece is a front trim piece of a seat and the second trim piece is arear trim piece of the seat.
 11. The seating assembly of claim 9,further comprising: a location rib spanning the cavity, wherein theflange is configured to mate with the rib such that upon mating thewindow and the attachment element are aligned and engaged.
 12. Theseating assembly of claim 9, wherein the elongate channel extends alonga majority of the cavity length.
 13. The seating assembly of claim 9,wherein the inner and outer walls of the second trim piece areconfigured to deflect during insertion of the flange into the cavity.14. The seating assembly of claim 9, wherein the flange and the cavityengage to form a seam between the first trim piece and the second trimpiece.
 15. The seating assembly of claim 14, wherein the flange extendslaterally and at inward angle from the first trim piece such that theseam of the first and second trim pieces is flush.
 16. A vehicle seatingassembly, comprising: an airbag; a front trim piece including a flangehaving intermittently-spaced attachment elements; a rear trim pieceincluding inner and outer walls defining a cavity, the inner wall havinga plurality of intermittently-spaced retention windows disposed thereon;and wherein the attachment elements snap-fit into the windows such thatthe flange engages the cavity to define a breakaway seam upon airbagdeployment.
 17. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 16, furthercomprising: an elongate protrusion disposed on the flange; and anelongate channel disposed on a wall of the cavity, wherein the elongateprotrusion removably engages the elongate channel such that theprotrusion disengages the channel upon deployment of the airbag.
 18. Thevehicle seating assembly of claim 17, wherein the elongate channelextends along a majority of the cavity length.
 19. The vehicle seatingassembly of claim 16, further comprising: a locating rib spanning thecavity; and a notch disposed through the flange, wherein the notch isconfigured to mate with the locating rib such that upon mating theretention windows and the attachment element are aligned and engaged.20. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 16, wherein the flange and thecavity engage to form a flush seam between the front trim piece and therear trim piece.